State Little League playoffs underway

Several Virginia Little League District 15 Champions were crowned shortly after Independence Day weekend. In the weeks to follow local teams from Essex, Westmoreland and Richmond Counties have been preparing and competing for their respective state championships across the Commonwealth.

Major Baseball: Westmoreland in Lynchburg

The 2013 Virginia Little League All-Stars Baseball and Softball Tournaments are underway around the Commonwealth.

The District 15 Major Baseball Champions from Westmoreland will travel to Lynchburg for a shot at the Virginia Little League Major Softball State Championship this week. But the word will not be as 15 other teams are vying for the same trophy.

Westmoreland is competing in Pool C against the District 3, 9 and 14 champions. In order for Westmoreland to advance out of pool play, they must finish among the top two teams in Pool C.

The District 15 champions will play the following schedule: District 14 at Bradford Field on July 19, 3 p.m.; District 9 at Bradford Field, 9 a.m.; and July 21 at Lloyd Field, 3:30 p.m.

Should Westmoreland be the top place pool finisher, they will move on to a single elimination playoff tournament first at Bradford Field on July 22 at 2:30 p.m; Lloyd Field on July 22 at 11:30 a.m. if they are the runners up. Winners will advance to the semifinals on July 23. Pool C winner play at 3:30 p.m. and Pool A runner up at 12 p.m. Both games on Lloyd Field.

The finals will be played on Lloyd Field July 24 at 12 p.m.

Junior Baseball: Westmoreland in Bristol

Westmoreland will send their young athletes to the Virginia Little League Junior Baseball Tournament in Bristol. This comes after the team celebrated by winning the 2013 District 15 Championship.

Westmoreland will open the tournament at Abingdon High School for game one on July 19 at 9 a.m.

Facing double elimination, the team from the Northern Neck of Virginia keep up with the following schedule for the tournament should they win or fall in the opening game:

Should Westmoreland fall on July 22, the team will play on July 23, 2 p.m., at Washington County Little League Facility for an opportunity to advance to the state finals. The finals will be on July 24 at Washington County Little League Facility at 10 a.m.

If Westmoreland should win on July 24, they will have to play again later that day at 2 p.m.to determine a champion.

Editor’s note: schedules and updates updated as provided by representatives of Virginia Little League. All State champions will advance to move to play against other representatives from the entire nation.